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For some of us, this year marks the end of our old traditions. Our spouses are gone, or our children are grown, or it’s just plain time to do something differently. For me, this is one of those years. From the time my son was born until last Christmas, I did Christmas Advent Activities from December 1, leading up to Christmas. Initially, I had paper bags filled with foam crafts or activities. Then we graduated to take-out boxes with slips of paper and then to a wall calendar with activities listed. Last year, with the family grown, I only managed 12 days of Christmas, and even that was hard to fit in with our different schedules, so this year is even more challenging. If we happen to be all together, we will do some fun things, like driving around and looking at the lights. However, nothing is scheduled, and no tickets to anything have been purchased.
It’s a bit hard for me. For two decades, I’ve planned from October to December to fill in each day with something special. This year, I did nothing, and I keep feeling as if I’m on my toes, ready to jump when someone says, Where are our Advent Activities?, even though we’ve discussed it. I admit to cheating a bit and having some animal tracking bracelets on hand to dole out when we need a pick-me-up, as well as some holiday-themed LEGO sets for a night when we may want to work on them together. And even though annual holiday pjs are ready for Christmas Eve, I still feel like I’m not sure how to navigate a December without our holiday time every day.
If you are facing this same feeling this year, for whatever reason, please know that there are others who feel it too. I plan to think of each December as a month to explore new things from now on. This year, I’m experimenting with journaling, and so my December will be filled with notebooks and pens. What new things will you try this year?
And if you are struggling this December, please reach out. If you don’t have family or friends you feel comfortable talking to, there are numbers to call (988), and your CGS family is here for you as well. You are not alone.
Helpful Links
Events: https://www.californiaancestors.org/events-and-education/
Special Interest Groups: https://www.californiaancestors.org/special-interest-groups-for-members/
Calendar view: https://www.californiaancestors.org/cgs_calendar/
Tips & Talk: Oakland FamilySearch Center Family History Classes: https://www.familysearch.org/en/centers/oakland_california/classes
DEC
2025